His Majesty King Hamad yesterday welcomed the signing of an agreement to establish the International Date Observatory in the kingdom, describing it as a strategic step that will make Bahrain a hub for regional and international initiatives in this domain.
This came as His Majesty received International Dates Council executive director Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the accompanying delegation, at Safriya Palace.
His Majesty expressed appreciation to the council members for supporting Bahrain in hosting the observatory.
He noted its role in enhancing the global status of dates as a strategic product that contributes to the world economy, and in boosting co-operation and knowledge exchange among member states.
He commended the longstanding ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the advanced level of co-operation and joint projects between the two countries.
His Majesty underlined the kingdom’s support for the council’s programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing international co-operation in developing the dates sector and improving its production and quality.
Princess Sarah bint Bandar expressed gratitude to the King for hosting the observatory headquarters in Bahrain. She commended the kingdom’s interest in the dates sector and its role in promoting economic and social development.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, separately met Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Gudaibiya Palace.
He highlighted the strength of Bahrain-Saudi relations, underpinned by strategic multi-sector partnerships, which are supported by His Majesty and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He recognised the commitment of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to enhancing bilateral ties in support of their continued progress.
HRH Prince Salman underscored the efforts of the International Dates Council in advancing food-related production and processing, as well as supporting sustainable agricultural development and food security across the GCC.
He welcomed Bahrain’s hosting of the observatory headquarters, reflecting the kingdom’s commitment to agriculture, afforestation, palm cultivation, and date production. He emphasised that these efforts embody the kingdom’s well-established reputation for supporting quality initiatives.
“It reflects the kingdom’s continued commitment to strengthening international agricultural innovation and development,” he noted, emphasising that this step consolidates the kingdom’s role as an international hub for expertise and knowledge in the date sector, while supporting efforts to achieve global food security and sustainable development.
Prime Minister’s Court Minister Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and several senior officials were also in attendance.
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